• Back to Maya

    December 18 in India ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    The last work I want to highlight is Rooster by Subodh Kerkar. This 11-foot-tall rooster is made of fibreglass and covered in rubber tyres in the typical style of the Portuguese symbol, usually made in ceramic or wood, which is seen all over the streets of Goa. It comes from a Portuguese folktale, the Barcelos Rooster, about a pilgrim who was wrongly accused and sentenced to death. Before his execution, he said that a roasted rooster on the judge's dinner table would come back to life and crow three times if he were innocent. Just as he was about to die, the rooster crowed!

    Rooster is in the sculpture garden at the back of the museum. At first glance, you think the area is surrounded by some kind of flowering hedge, but on closer inspection, you realise that the whole thing is made of painted recycled plastic bottles, some cut into strips, and some left whole. The overall effect is stunning.

    I have visited many museums of contemporary art over the years in cities all over the world. Without doubt, the Museum of Goa is one of the best I have ever seen. What sets it apart is the fact that every exhibit is accompanied by a meaningful story. The tradition of Goan storytelling is perfectly portrayed here. It's fascinating, intriguing, and unforgettable.

    When I had finished my visit to the museum, I ventured into the on-site shop, where I bought several books about Goan life. I'm looking forward to reading them and filling in some of the many gaps in my knowledge.

    Umesh was waiting for me, and we drove back to Maya. He stopped on a busy road to let me take a photo of a huge statue of Christ. I need to get him to take me back to that area - I think there are other things to see.

    Once we arrived at Maya, I had my favourite omelette and an amazing fruit bowl, and then spent the evening editing photos.
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